Allister demands Union Flag parity with GB
27 March 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has called for a change being introduced in GB, which will permit the Union Flag to be flown the year round on any government building, to be extended to Northern Ireland.
The move follows the publication of the White Paper, The Governance of Britain: Constitutional Renewal (CM 7342-1), and the Consultation Analyses Document (CM 7342-3) on 25 March 2008. For confirmation see http://www.culture.gov.uk/flagflying/
Currently the rules restrict the flying of the flag to just 18 designated days - with a similar provision in Northern Ireland. The change will restore the option of the Union Flag flying 365 days per year, but only in GB. The move is part of attempts to boost the sense of Britishness in the UK.
Commenting Jim Allister said:-
"This sensible and desirable provision should extend throughout the whole of the UK. We followed GB into the foolish restriction to 17 days per annum in Northern Ireland, now that the year round option is being restored, why is Northern Ireland being excluded? If GB precedent was good enough to restrict the flying of the flag, it certainly is equally a good enough basis upon which to restore it.
It is both political and appalling that Northern Ireland is now to be treated differently. I see it as part of the process of marginalising Northern Ireland within the Union and preparing it, under the Belfast Agreement, for ever closer affinity with the Republic of Ireland.
I am today writing to the Secretary of State demanding that parallel reform is introduced for Northern Ireland. We require and must have parity with the rest of the Kingdom. If we had an Assembly and Government worthy of the name, they would be leading on this issue, particularly since some would have us believe the Union is stronger than ever. Well, let's see some evidence of it by being able to fly the flag on government buildings on a par with what is being introduced in GB."
